The New Mexico Department of Transportation says crews are working on replacing the roads at Rio Bravo and Isleta in the South Valley.

The South Valley's roads have needed a lot of work, according to Phil Gallegos at NMDOT. Crews are tearing up the asphalt and putting down concrete so that the roads will last longer.

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In the meantime, the intersection is filled with orange barrels and lane closures. Traffic builds up every day, all day, in every direction. Many people are frustrated, saying they didn't know the construction was coming. They say the intersection is a mess.

Businesses are frustrated, too. Bob Salas, the owner of Bob's Burgers, says his business sits on the southwest corner of the construction. Crews have closed off their Isleta exit and have modified the Rio Bravo exit, making it difficult for cars to come and go.

"Business wise, I'd say we've lost at least 30 percent," Salas said.

Salas said while they were prepared for the work and knew it was going to happen, he didn't think it would be this bad. He said he hopes they are done soon.

Gallegos said he understands it's been frustrating. When projects like this occur, the first few days or weeks are always the worst. He said NMDOT is doing everything it can to make things smoother. Crews have installed cameras at the traffic lights to help ease traffic flow. He said drivers can always use alternate routes if they want to avoid the construction.

"It's the only river crossing in the South Valley, so it's understandable that it's heavily traveled," he explained.

Crews have already finished up paving, too, further south on Isleta. Bernalillo County told Action 7 News they are planning several road projects in the South Valley soon, so people need to be prepared. They plan to release more information about those projects later in the week.

The Rio Bravo and Isleta Boulevard project is scheduled to be complete in the fall.